Some of the most famous examples of the East Asian community being stereotyped in America probably come from the following sources.

Here's a clip from the famous (and lovely) film Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). Keep an eye out for the appearance of the landlord, Mr. Yunioshi, at about 2:57. What do you think of the way he looks? Does he remind you of the character Chin-Kee from American Born Chinese at all? How do you feel knowing that Mr. Yunioshi was portrayed by a white man (Mickey Rooney)?

MIckey Rooney portrayed the character Mr. Yunioshi in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Of course Breakfast at TIffany's wasn't the first piece of popular culture to employ stereotypes for humor. During World War II many media outlets (especially cartoons) used anti-Japanese imagery to turn America's sympathies against their wartime enemy.

Consider why media groups might send a particular message about a group of people with whom they are in conflict? Now consider the residual effect that these types of images and media might have on the lasting culture in a country.

Now consider if there is a difference between the images above and something like this movie by the Wayans brothers? Why might this not seem quite as offensive as some of the other images we've looked at?

What is your experience with stereotypes? Have you been the victim of them or seen people around you use them? Where do stereotypes come from and how can we get rid of them?

Now look at the picture of the character Chin-Kee from when he first appears in American Born Chinese. What are your first impressions of him? Why do you think the author, Gene Luen Yang, created a character like this?

Every one of us came from some place before we got here. As best as you can based only on what information you have in your brain, trace your family history as far back as you can. How did you get here? When did your family arrive in the United States? How did they get to this particular part of Illinois? Now reflect on the process of figuring out your family lineage. Why do you know as much as you do? Why don't you know more?

In a blog post, reflect on what you have learned ABOUT WRITING during the analytical essay assignment that you just finished. Do you feel like you are a better writer now than you were when you began? What have you learned about what makes good writing?